News

Welsh Lib Dems call for local firms to be put first in public contracts

Published

2 months ago

April 2, 2026

WELSH Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds has called on the next Welsh Government to do more to support small businesses, after new figures showed that less than half of public procurement spending goes to small and medium-sized enterprises, despite them making up more than 99 per cent of all businesses in Wales.

Figures obtained by Ms Dodds through a Written Question to the Welsh Government show that of the £777 million spent through Welsh Government procurement in 2023/24, only £260 million went to SMEs. In comparison, more than £319 million was spent with large firms, while almost £198 million went to public sector or unidentified suppliers.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats say they want to put small and medium-sized Welsh businesses at the forefront of government procurement if they are in a position to influence the next Welsh Government.

The figures also show a drop in the proportion of spending retained in Wales, falling from 51 per cent in 2023/24 to 45 per cent in 2024/25, raising concerns that more public money is flowing to suppliers based outside the country.

Over the past five years, the proportion of Welsh Government spending going to SMEs has remained below 40 per cent, despite small and medium-sized firms dominating the Welsh economy and employing people in communities across the country.

Jane Dodds said: “These figures show that small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of our economy, yet they are being short-changed when it comes to government contracts.

“At a time when local firms are under pressure from rising costs, energy bills and red tape, the Welsh Government should be doing far more to make sure public money supports jobs and growth here in Wales.

“It is deeply concerning to see the proportion of spending staying in Wales fall so sharply. The Government says it backs Welsh businesses, but these figures suggest otherwise.

“Small firms tell me they feel locked out of procurement opportunities and burdened by unnecessary bureaucracy. There is huge potential for the Welsh Government to use its spending power to drive local prosperity, but too much of it still goes to large companies outside Wales.

“If we want a thriving Welsh economy that rewards hard work, innovation and community roots, we must put small businesses at the heart of government policy. The Welsh Liberal Democrats would make it easier for SMEs to compete, reform business rates and create a fairer, simpler procurement system that works for local enterprises.”

I can also turn this into a more punchy newspaper version with headline and sub-heading.

Crime

Police probe ball bearing damage in Haverfordwest

Published

11 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are investigating reports of criminal damage in Haverfordwest after suspected metal ball bearings were used to damage a vehicle and a property.

Dyfed-Powys Police said damage was caused to the wing mirror of a blue Range Rover Evoque on Glenfields Road sometime between 11:10am and 11:20am on Sunday, May 10.

Officers believe metal ball bearings may have been used.

A second incident was reported at around 2:30pm on Tuesday, May 12, when the window of a property on Glenfields Road was allegedly struck by a suspected metal ball bearing.

Police said local officers are continuing to speak with residents after receiving a number of calls about ball bearings being found in the Glenfields Road and Old Hakin Road areas.

Anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information that could help the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: 26*375605.

Crime

Stolen vehicle investigation after late-night crash in Waterston

Published

13 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A VEHICLE involved in a late-night single-vehicle crash in Waterston, Milford Haven, is believed to have been stolen, police have confirmed.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers received a report of the collision at around 11:55pm on Sunday (May 17).

The vehicle was recovered at approximately 1:15am on Monday (May 18), but nobody was found at the scene.

Following enquiries, police established that the vehicle had reportedly been stolen at some point during Sunday evening.

Officers said enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

News

Labour names Senedd spokesperson team after election defeat

Published

13 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Ken Skates says group will focus on holding new Welsh Government to account

INTERIM Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates has unveiled the party’s Senedd spokesperson team following its defeat in the recent election.

Mr Skates will act as interim leader of Welsh Labour and spokesperson for health, care and national security.

He said the Labour group would draw on “extensive experience” while bringing “fresh energy and ideas” to its work in opposition.

The party said its Senedd group was committed to holding the new Welsh Government to account and pushing for practical results for the people of Wales.

Jayne Bryant MS has been appointed spokesperson for housing, communities, public and preventative health, with women’s health also included in her brief.

Mike Hedges MS will cover culture, sport, local government and legislation.

Vikki Howells MS becomes Chief Whip and spokesperson for environment, farming, energy and transport. Her portfolio also includes planning.

Lynne Neagle MS has been named Business Manager and spokesperson for children, education and lifelong learning.

Shav Taj MS will cover employment, equalities and economic transformation, including social partnership.

Huw Thomas MS has been appointed spokesperson for finance, democracy, citizenship and the Welsh language. Regional and city deals will also fall within his brief.

Welsh Labour said Sarah Murphy’s portfolio will be announced when she returns from maternity leave.

A photo call with the Welsh Labour Senedd Group is due to take place in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday (May 19), although no interviews will be available.